





^ 



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A DISCOURSE 



PRONOUNCED ON SABBATH EVENING, 



MW 4, 1852, 



IN THE LUTHERAN CHURCH OF HAGERSTOWN, 



ON THE 



DEATH OF HENRY CLAY, 



1 



BY THE 



/ 



REV. F. R. ANSPACH, A. M. 



HAGERSTOWN : 

PRINTED BY MITTAG & SNEARY, 
1852. 



m^Orders filled at this Office, 






L' 



3o 



A DISCOURSE 



PRONOUNCED ON SABRATH EVENING, 



mhY % im% 






IN THE LUTHERAxN eHURCH OF HAGERSTOWN 



ON THE 



DEATH OF HENRY CLAY 



BY THE 



REV. F. R. ANSPACH, A. M. 



-^ U. S. A. 




HAUERSTOWN : 
PRLNTED BY MIXTA G & SNEARY 

1852. 






IIAG&RSTOWJN , July 6, 185^. 
ut. .. i- . II. Anspach : — Dear Sir — We were among those who had the gratifi- 
cation of hearing your Sermon, on Sa'ubadi evening last, on the death of our la- 
mented Patriot and Statesman, Henry Clay. Highly approving the views and 
sentiments you then expressed, as worthy the occasion, and the great man whose 
death we are all deploring, we desire, as well for your numerous auditory and our- 
selves, as others who had not tlie opportumity of hearing the discourse, to see it 
published. We therefore respectfully request that you will favor us with a copy 
of it for publication. We remain, with sincere regards, 

Your ob't serv'ts, 
D. Weisel, D. F. Cittle, Joh.v T. Maso.v. 

Alex. Neill, Jr., C. C. Culler, David Artz. 

C. Sheppard, R. W. Dunlap, F. Fechtig, 
S. J. RousKULP, D. Gan3, Jos. Rench, 
L. McKee, H. Furloxg, P. B. Small, 

D. C. Hammond, P. Swartzwelder, Henry K. Tice, 
J. B. McKee, George A. Bender, Samiel Ridenoir. 



HAGERSTOWN, July 6, 1859. 
To JJvn. D. Weisel, and others : 

Gentlemen : — In accordance with your request, I place at your disposal, a copy 
of the Discoure which it was my privilege to deliver on last Sabbath svening. I yield 
it as the first public olVering, in a permanent form, to the citizeos of Hagerstown. 
A naturally timid nature might have caused ma to shrink from subjecting this tri- 
bute of homage to rare genius, to public scrutiny, ,but your request, coming as ii, 
does, from our most prominent citizens, leaves me no other course but a cheerful 
acquiescence in your solicitation. 

Allow me, gentlemen, to express my gratitude to you, to the citizens generally, 
and the clergymen of the town who closed their churches and united with me and 
my people to do honor to a great man, and to assure you and them that your kind- 
ness is appreciated. I present the Discourse as nearly as I can, in the form. in 
which it was delivered, only adding or suppressing a word occasionally, where 
such a change was necessary to the full developement of the idea. It is the first 
flow of thought, and that mainly connected with the moral and national aspect of 
the occasion. 

Accept, gentlemen, my thanks for the manner in which you communicated to me 
your own, and the wishes of the citizens of Ilngerstown. 

Very truly vours, F. R. ANSPACH. 



r 



A BISCOUESi: 



!M Snni. 3 c, 38 v. — "Know ye not t!iut there is a prince and greU man fallen 
in Israel." 

If the announcement which I made this morning, that I would deliv- 
er a sermon this evening on the death of Henry Clay i^hould have 
caused the least surprise, or if the inquiry was either i^ilently or audi- 
bly uttered, \\hy such an event should be made tlie theme of discourse 
in the pulpit, I reply in the language of my text, "Know ye not that 
there is a prince and a great man fallen In Israel." I am aware that at 
the present day, and upon very slight occasions, there is an outer}' 
against man-worship, when nothing more than a mark of sympathy or 
respect is shown to distinguished persons. This feeling has its origin 
in a morbid selfishness, though it is often thrown out clothed with the 
sanctities of religion. But w-hatever its pretensions and appearances 
may be, it springs not from the Bible — it comes not from above. The 
word of God makes it our duty, to render honor to whom honor is 
due. And the author of our being has not cnly written this senti- 
ment in his word, but has also implanted it in every noble mind. — 
'With that affected horror with which some profess to view all pub- 
lic expressions of regard for great men, I have no sympathy. The 
dictates of patriotism and religion alike require of all loyal citizens re- 
spect for their rukrs. And men who do not honor those whom man- 
kind recognize as eminent servants of God ; whether their sphere of 
action lies within the Church, or the State, will not honor God, for the 
obvious reason that if unfaithful in the discharge- of a less, they will 
also be remiss in relation to a higher duty. 

That such however is not the feeling of this community I am proud 
to know. The gloom which overspread our town, the tolling b^lls, 
and the general indications of sincere regret on the part of all our citi- 
zens upon the announcement of the death of Henry Clay — this vast 
and highlj' respectable auditory made up of all christian denomina- 
tions of this place — all amply attest that the distinguished dead had a 
home in every heart here, as he doubtless had in every heart that 
beats within our great Union. This is as it should be — the occasion 
calls for universal regret. For whatever causes maj' be in operation 
v/hich divide the sentiments of a great people, in regard to the rela- 
tive merits of individuals while living, these causes cease to act when 
they pass from among us. They are then honored as they deserve to 
be, not as the illustrious dead of a party, but of the nation. And 
hence the death of our distinguished men should always awaken, pro- 
found sorrow and regret, in all the livino-. 

David assigned the death of Abner, a general in the army of Israel, 
as a reason for the mourning and weeping of the people. "King David 
Jiimself followed the bier, and the king lifted up his voice and wept at 
the grave of Abner, and all the people wept." And after they had 
performed the last sad offices for one they loved, the people urged D- 
vid to moderate his grief and take food, but he declared that he "wor . 
not eat bread until the sun went down." And in justification of .is 
deep distress, "the king said unto his servants, Know ye not that ',iere 
is a prince and a great man fallen in Israel." The sentiment contained 
in this language is a just one. It is proper to mourn for the departed. 
It is a sentiment which meets a response in every patriotic heart; vea: 



4 

it id the spontaneous impulse of every christian soul. The theme which ' 
will engage our meditations this evening is — 

That the death of eminent men is a fit occasion for the expression of 
national sorrow and regret. The truth of this proposition may be es- 
tablished by such considerations as the following: 

1. It is natural. It is not constrained or affected ; it is spontaneous 
iind real. It is in harmony with the laws of society and the constitu- 
tion of our being. Men are so constituted that the loss of a valued 
ijbject is always accompanied with pain. When the ti^s of nature or 
of friendship, or social and political ties, are broken, it will cause dis- 
tress proportionate to the sacredness of those bonds. It js -not only so 
in human society, but through all nature does this law run which, when 
violated and the union of persons or things is dissolved, it is invariably 
attended with conscious or unconscious distress. When the branch is 
broken from the vine, the parent stem bleeds. The fowls of heaven 
and the beasts of the field show tokens of distress on the loss of one of 
their number. If this, then, is a general law which causes the heart 
.sorrow when bereft of an, earthly good, and if it runs through all the 
grades and orders of creation, then it forms one of the elements of their 
liclng, and must have Gqd for its author; and, therefore, to indulge this 
tendency of our nature to a moderate extent is altogether consistent; 
and proper. 

And that the regret for eminent men should be g_eneral, is eviJenft 
I'rom the fact that our nation is a unit, and that a loss which afi'ects u? 
as a nation w^ill be felt by all. ^V'e are a great family, a numerous 
household, united by the most sacred ties. la tiie absence of distres.Sj 
and in the midst of unclouded prosperity, the members &f this family 
do not know the strength of those affections which unite the great 
brotherhood ; but when there is an outward pressure brought to bear 
upon us — it may be in the shape of such a calaniity as we now mouri; 
— when we gather around the corpse of one of the distinguished mem- 
bers of this fraternity, we all feel that we are brethren. Tliis has been 
several times illustrated during the past twelve years of our liistory^ 
Wc have seen the- nation agitated to an alarming degree, and in the 
fierce conflict of party principle, the elements of lofty friendships were 
changed into their opposite_qualiti.es, and there was division and discord, 
but when the hand of Providence laid those in the dust, who had been 
elevated to the highest pinnacle of power, it was done, that He who 
ruieth in the midst of us,' might 'smite^ the, nation with a common grief, 
that vv-e miglit mingle our tears,' for a common loss, and that our love 
for each other might be re-kindled and strengthened under the sad, but 
conscious persuasion, that we are one fanjily^that we have one home 
— that the altars, the interests, the honors, and the great men of our 
land, belong not to a party, but to the nation, and that lor them a nation 
toill mourn. 

We had a touching and beautiful exhibition of this fraternal love, of 
this lofty patriotism, at the death of President Haruiso.n. I was then 
in Philadelphia, and when it was announced that the shadows of the 
sepulchre had fallen in dark eclipse upon the chair of State, it stunned 
the whole city, and the sad tidings fell cold upon every heart. And 
when the time for preparations of the funeral obsequies arrived, all 
party distinctions vanished, and on the day of the fun.eral.ceremonies, 
there was but one family of mourners, and they constituted the, entire 
population. This is honorable to American citizens. We rejoice. \n 
this consciousness of fraternal feeling, for it assures us that the angel 
of the covenant, who has been presiding over this Eepublic from it^.. 



jnfaucy to the present hour, has shaken from his wings the elements 
of heavenly love, and they mingle with the love of man. And what 
do we see now? What mean the sad notes that arc filling the air and 
hastening to the ends of the earth ? — what the drooping and draped 
flag upon the Ca])itol of our Union? — what the sighs that rise from the 
hearts of all, from the hoary-headed revolutionary sire lo the prattling 
child ? — what tliis deep solemnity which pervades my audience ? Need 
I say it ? They all tell one tale of sorrow — they all announce that 
Henry Clay is no more ! Aye! it is a heavy wo ! which now lies 
upon the national heart, and its painful throbs are felt in every mem- 
ber of this great commonwealth of freemen. 

And now that the distinguished Senator has passed away from eartii, 
he is one of our illustrious dead; not the honored dead of a party,, but 
of a nation. His grave will be a hallowed spot, a shrine for pilgrims, 
and aroundi!;, will the children of the nation gather, and unborn genera- 
tions will tread softly, when in the Cemetery of L,exington they, seek the 
tomb of the patriot. And as they stand by that tomb, they will feel as 
those have felt who stood by the grav'e of Washington or Jackson. 
ai\d bless God for raising up, and continuing so long, this defender of 
our homes and our liberties. 

"Lona; may his memory Ijlooni our vales among, 
Hallowed by Freedom and enshrined in song ; 
Still may his pure and patriot spirit dwell 
Bright on the land which loved his name so well : 
E'en as an angel with presidiiig care, 
To wake, and guard his own high virtues there." 

2. An expression of sorrow and regret on the part of a nation for itb 
distinguished dead, is also encouraged by the almost universal example 
of nations, both ancient and modern. The removal of eminently use- 
ful men, is an affliction which demands a general regret. The Egyp- 
tians, Persians, Greeks and Romans, all gave fitting expressions of sor- 
row, vi'hen their great men died. But if it is objected on the ground 
that they were not christian nations, and that, therefore, their example 
should have no force when cited for the imitation of a christian people, 
I would reply, that it is perfectly just to im.itate them in any thing that 
is not morall}'- wrong, and the tendency of which is not hurtful, but 
beneficial to the State. But we have an example which carries with it 
a higher Authoiity, the example of God's chosen people, who were un- 
der the immediate direction of the Supreme Being. The funeral sol- 
emnities of that nation were of an imposing character. -When their 
generals, priests, kings and prophets were stricken down, there was 
great lamentation, they manifested, by numerous outward symbols, 
their inward grief. When Jacob died, he was mourned not only by 
the Hebrews but publicly by the Egyptians. He w^as honored by the 
command of Pharaoh with imposing funeral obsequies. His body was 
embalmed after the manner of the Egyptians, and they mourned for 
him for the space of three score and ten days. After which, we are 
told in the .50th Chap, of Gen., "Joseph w^ent up to bury his father, and 
with him went all the servants of Pharaoh, the Elders of his house, and 
all the Elders of the land of Egypt. And all the house of Joseph, and 
his brethren and his father's house, only their little ones and flocks 
they left in the land of Goshen. And there went up with him both 
chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great company. And they 
came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there 
they mourned with a great and very sore lamentation, and he made a 
mourning for his father seven days. And when the inhabitants of the 



land, the Canaanltcs, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, 
this is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians." When it was ascer- 
tained that Moses had really died in Mt. Nebo, into which the Lord 
had caMed him for that purpose, it is related as an honor to Israel, that 
they wept forty days for Moses, in fhe Plains of Moab. The death of 
Saul and Jonathan was equally painful to that people. David rent his 
garments and uttered a most touching and beautiful funeral dirge — 
breathing a pathos which ciSarly shows the depths of hisov/n emotions, 
and emincntlj^ fitted to kindle similar emotions in the hearts of all Israel; 

"' Thebea.uty of Isrpjl is slain upon thy high pbces ! 

How are the mighty falleu ! 

Tell it not in Galh ! 

Publish it not in the streets of Ascalon I 

Lest the daughters of the Philistines exult ! 

Lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph ! 

Mountains of Gilboa ! 

No dew nor rain upon you ! 

Be a field for execration ! 

For there was cast away the shield of the hero, 

Saul and Jonathan lovely and pleasant in tlieir life^ 

And in their death not divided ; 

Svv^fter than Eagles ! 

Stronger than Lions ! 

Daughters of Isrccl weep for Saul, 

Wlio clothed you in crimson with beautiful decorationsr 

"vVho fitted upon your raiment, ornaments of gold ! 

How are the mighty fallen ! 

And the weapons of war perished':'' 

I might cite numerous other instances of a similar character, for all 
their distinguished men were honored while living, and mourned when 
dead; but those which I have adduced will suffice, particularly as they 
embrace the Patriarch, the Prophet, the King, and the Citizen,- and 
thus aftord a fair exhibition of honors rendered to men of merit, in the 
several relations of life. But here also it may be asked, what influence 
should their example have upon us P lanswer, much everyway, be- 
cause that example carries with it, as I think, the approbation of heaven. 
God never failed to reprove Israel when they honored sinful customs, 
but in all their history there is not a word of reproof, for showing be- 
coming respect for their departed men of exalted merit. We may, 
therefore, regard their conduct, on such occasions, as clothed with the 
divine sanction, while it inculcates the propriety of lamenting the death, 
and cherishing the memory of those who have been eminently useful 
in life. It is a custom, also prevalent among all modern nations, and 
according to the doctrine of Cicero, w^e are bound to regard it as a law 
which claims our obedience, "because sanctioned by the universal con- 
sent of mankind." We regard, therefore, the departure of Senatoi 
Clay, as a fit occasionfor the expression of national sorrovv' and regret. 

3. The death of such men as Henry Clay is a national loss. A 
loss which cannot be accurately estimated, though it may be deeply 
felt. Unquestionably do such removals, diminish the glory of our na^ 
tion. It is true there are left to us many eminent and worthy States- 
men, who serve well " their day and generation," yet it is an indis- 
putable fact, that-iio other man can fill the place of Henry Clay. 1 
do not utter this in the way of disparagement of other eminent nien, 
but as a sim.ple truth. Every genius has a peculiar mission to perform, 
and will leave an intellectual and moral impress upon the society 
which was the sphere of his mental and moral exertions, which no 
other man could have produced, and he will impnrt impulses to the 
body politic if a Statesman, and transfuse a part of his own being intq 



the system in wliich he acted, which no other man could have done. 
The tcilents of such men as the one wc deplore, are far more important to 
a nation than the wcallh of many Califbrnias. Their wisdom and ex- 
perience are priceless treasures, as employed in rightly directing the 
aflliirs of State, botli at home and abroad. It seems that the influence 
of those stirring scenes of the revolution were veil fitted to form, to 
strengthen, and to expand the mind, so as to' make pure patriots and 
eminent Statesmen. And as these fathers in our Israel are passing 
away, we feel as tliough we dare scarcely hope for another class of 
Statesmen of a precisely similar cast, who will stand up so nobly to the 
interests of the country, and who can so ably defend our Union. — 
Though I dissent from the doctrine of the learned Kelvetius, viz : 
'■. That alt men are born with like capacities, and that the effects of 
genius and character must be ascribed to education'-' — yet is it true, 
that the peculiar influences under which the mind developes and ma- 
turer, greatly modify, if they do not absolutely determine the character 
of man. And as the Influences which acted upon those minds which 
were ushered into existence during our revolutionary struggles, were 
essentially difiercnt from those under which the minds of men who now 
live mature, it follows as a necessary con'^equence, that just so far as 
the causes difler will the effects vary.' God grant that the example of 
these fathers who are so rapidly disappearing from the councils of the 
land, may exert a salutary influence upon our rising Statesmen, who arc 
beginning to control the destiny of the nation. 

4. The propriety of a general expression of a nation's sorrow or. 
this mournful occasion, is illustrated by the influence which such an 
act, will have upon the nation. It terminates not upon the party 
honored, but acts reciprocally and beneficially upon society at large. 
The influence of such demonstrations of respect as are now witnessed 
throughout the Union, in honor of the deceased statesman, are pro- 
ductive of incalculable good.. They may on the part of a few be 
made an occasion of evil, but this cannot vitiate the principle, which 
is undoubtedly a good one. And the same objection, (if one should 
be offered on this ground,) would lie with equal force, against the 
stated public worship of God. These demonstrations, will create a 
proper esteem for great men, who exercise their talents, for their coun- 
try's good. Neglect, and want of reverence for eminent public ser- 
vants, whether in civil or ecclesiastical life, would be followed w'ith 
disastrous consequences, and in regard to our republic, would be infal- 
lible signs of the decline of patriotism. Great men, like great events, 
should "be appropriately honored. The day of our national indepen- 
dence Is worthy of commemoration. But allow me to say, this day 
would be like a sun, without planets and their satelites to reflect its 
glory, were i-t not that the names of our Illustrious dead and living are 
associated with it. 'When the Grecian Republics banished and degra- 
ded their leading men, they sank with all their glory to the dust. ' And 
when among us, those cease to be honored whose lives arc identified 
with all the great struggles and interests of our country, and their ser- 
vices which they have rendered, cease to inspire us with gratitude, 
then are the days of our nation numbered. For when we shall no 
more mourn the" fall of ■ the great men in our Israel, we will no longer 
be animated with those sentiments, which are absolutely essential to 
the perpetuation of our Institutions. The children of the nation, must 
learn thi,s lesson from us. Deeply upon their hearts must we write 
laws of gratitude to the great and good of our land. 

Such honor and respect for the dead, will exert an ennobling and 



8 



IS" 

the 



cheering influence upon the minds of those now occupied in admin 
tering the aflairs of government. These expressions of sorrow, on t..„ 
part of a great people, will act on them as incentives to fidelity, in the 
high trust confided to their keeping. It will animate them in their ar- 
duous toil. The honors shown to the great departed will send an electric 
effect into the bosom of every patriot. For a grateful recognition of their 
worth and expression of regard for their services, by their country, 
are the great rewards cfter which great minds aspire. For whatever 
annoyance or attempted disparagement a lofty mind may be able to 
endure it cannot bear neglect. It must be appreciated, if it is to labor 
with cheerfulness, and with success. The oak in the forest requires, 
not only a fertile soil from which it draws its nourishment, but it must 
also ha 




". . .... ^1' 

ments of office. It rises in its aims far svperior to all such sordid 

considerations. The mighty intellect is bent to its arduous toil, with 
a view to make its labors tributar}'-, arid the nation's good, and the na- 
tion's glory. The true patriot, labors for the physical, intellectual and 
moral elevation of his people, and by v.'ise legislation makes the an- 
nals of his country luminous with its own greatness. He labors for 
her growth, and advancement in every department of human indus- 
try. For her progress in agriculture, in commerce, in the arts, in 
popular education, in science arid in piety. These are the great ends 
for which the true patriot, and wise statesman toils. And as he sees 
these interests expanding and shedding countless blessings on the 
land, his heart is cheered, for his purposes are accomplished. And 
for all these I need scarcely tell yo'j, did the Sage of Ashland, inde- 
fatigably labor for more than half a century. 

It is very manifest that the influence upon his survivors in public 
life, of this national sorrow for the death of HE^^RY Clay, will be to 
cheer them in their labors for their country. They are often misre- 
presented and calumniated by factious nien, and a factious press, and 
that too, to an extent that must deeply wound them. And none can 
doubt, that our prominent men v.'ould seek the comforts and peace of 
retired life, did they not know and sec on occasions like the present, 
that the people will do justice to their merits, and that their country is 
not void of gratitude. They know that it vfill cherish the memory of 
the just and patriotic — that it will mourn their death. In view then of 
these and other considerations, it is right that a nation's tears should 
How for Henry Clay. For in the language of the text, he was a prince 
and a great man in the American Israel. 

1. He was a prince in intellect. He possessed superior powers of 
mind. In the language of Senator Lewis Cass, " he possessed that in- 
tellectual superiority which overcomes surrounding obstacles, and which 
local seclusion cannot long withhold from general knowledge and ap- 
preciation." "It is almost half a century," continues Senator Cass. 
" since he passed through Chilicothe, (hen the seat of government of 
Ohio, where I was a member of the Legislature, on his way, to take 
his place in this very bod}', which is now listening to this reminiscence, 
and to a feeble tribute of regard from one, who then saw him for the 
first time, but who can never forget the impression he produced by the 
charms of his conversation, the frankness of his manner, and the high 
qualities with which he was endowed. Since then he has belonged to 
his country, and has taken part, and a piominent part, both in peace 
and war, in all great questions affecting her interests and honors, and 



^ 



ihoug-ii U has been my forti.ne often to ilifler fioin liim, yit 1 bcJievc 
he was as pure a patriot as ever participated in the councila of a nation, 
•anxious for ti)e public good, and seeking to attain it during all the vici- 
situdes of a long aud active life. He has passed beyond the reach of 
human praise or censure, but the juilgnient.of his cotemporaries has 
})rcceded and ]u-onounced the judgment of, history,, and his name and 
fame will shed lu&tre upon liis country, and be proudly cherished in 
the hearts of his countrjinen for long ages- to come. Yes, they will be 
cherished, when these marCile columns, so often the witnesses of his 
triumph, shall have fallen like all the works of man, leaving their bro- 
ken fragments to tell the story of former magnificence aiul splendor, 
amid the very ruins^jthat announce decay and desolation." Such, and 
much more of like import, is the language of Gen. Cass, in his eulogy 
of the distinguished dead, delivered last week in the Senate Chamber. 
A eulogv alike honorable to the living and the dead. 

He was a prince in intellect. What a grasj) of mind ! what a swce^) 
of thogght ! what fine imaginative powers were his! His mind was of 
a colossal cast — possessing, in a very high degree, th-e elements .of the 
strong and the beautiful. Some men are made great by the dignity ©f 
their stations, but Henry Clay was always greater than the position 
to which he was elevated. The Pi-esidmctj could not have raised him 
Jiigher, though he would have shed great lustre upon the Chair of State. 
He was always with his Country, In the war of 1812, he electrified the 
land with his eloquence, so that the great heart of the nation throbbed 
wildly with the impulses of patriotism. But in .all my reading and study 
of distinguished m.en anxl events, I have fo'^nd-no event vvh-ei'e the m.igkt 
oLintellect, the power of eloquence, and the lofty bearings of patriotism, 
shone with such towering magnificence andineftable splendor, as whe^i 
Henry Clay proposed and advocated the compromise measures, on the 
slavery question. It v>'as my rare privilege to witness a part of that 
effort. And to my mind, that was the grandest effort, as it was the mo*t 
sublime trium.ph, of his eventful life. . A storm of passion had spread its 
sullen gloom over the entire Repj^blic, and its thickest darkness lowere<l 
around the Capitol of the Union. All eyes wersidire.cte J to the placie 
where the mighty intellects of the country were assembled, a-nd^ in fierce 
conflict. Every fibue in the national heart was quivering with alarm. 
A spirit of fearfulness and -trembling had fallen upon the, people — they 
Hew to the altars of religion aBd..sent up >fervent appeals to our fathers' 
God, that he might say to those conflicting elements, "Peace, be still." 
The sage of Asldand surveyed, with a calm, clear eye, the responsibil- 
ities and dangers of that, liour.. His heart swelled with Jove-.forour 
institutions — for the. laud of his birth — for the land, of his fathers' se- 
pulchres — and, as if his spirit gathered strength from th.e ?ir which 
blew over the grave of Washington, he lose in the midst of that gloom 
like the sun, and with his light dissipated those clouds, dark with im- 
pending calamities. God answered the^piayers of his people — he. did 
speak through Henry Clay, and quieted that sea of passion, and there 
was peace. Again there was a smile upon the nation's face, and joy 
was in the nation's heart. 

2. He was a prince as to the nobleness of his nature. He had not 
that littleness of intellectuality, and that meagreness of natural excel- 
lence, which render the bearing of their possessor conceited and haughty 
—but he was frank, generous and noble. His heart was full of warm 
impulses and generous afiections — it was the home of loft}- friendships. 
Truly, he was a great man in our Israel. From early life to his latest 
moments, we find rich matei;ials in his history for the study and adrai.- 
ratio.'^, of the world 



10 

3.' But liis greatest act, and that Avhich heighlcns the grandeur 6 
his cliaracter, Avas to bring his noble intellect stored wilh. the lore of 
ages — liis \vell deserved and distinguished honors and lay them at the 
feet of Jesus. Though late in life, which is to be regretted, yet he did 
come, loaded with the honors of a grateful country, to the cross" of Christ, 
seeking a still higher honor, and one not in t!ie gift of earth, the honor 
of being and humble follower of the Saviour. "With the many laurels 
which a grateful countiy had bound upog his brow, he was not con- 
tented, for he, coveted the unfading gailand of life. It is this which 
makes his memory precious to all, but especially to miiiisters of the 
gospel. And could the eye of my audience, like the eye above us, 
see- into the closets of the ministry of this land and witness their efforts 
with heaven for the conversion, not only of the humble, but of the ex- 
alted, who by by the influence of rank carry with them to the destiny 
they are shaping for themselves, thousands who are controlled by then- 
example; then you could knov/ why this act cf Henrv Clay is pre- 
cious to us. O! it is startling to think of a great soul lost. An intel- 
lect approximating that of angels passing into the spirit world unsancti- 
ficd, and the wrath of God flowing eteinally through its immense chan- 
ne'ls. AVe- shrink instinctively from the thought, and, therefore, ahvays 
rejoice whenever the Spirit of God places a fresh jewel in the diadem 
of the great Redeemer. And shall we not rejoice in this instance? I 
admit that in one sense the Soul of the humblest member of the human 
family is as valuable in the sight of God, as the Soul of the most sifted, 
ior the same ransom price was paid for both, but then in proportion to 
their capacities, will be their capabilities for suffering or joy. 

The example of one so talented and distinguished is of immense 
service to-the cause of God. And I doubt not his example in this res- 
pect is the most valuable part cf thai; rich legacy wliich he has left to 
his country. The example of such a gifted man, wiiosc knowledge and 
judgment would weigh against thousands of infidels, v/ill have a good 
influence upon our young men, and those in middle life. He w^as too 
good a Statesman not to know, that he who would be a citizen of our 
government, must be such either by birth or adoption, and obey all its 
laws, and conform to all its rules, if he would share in the protection, 
and honors, and blessings of that government. Henry Clay was too 
good and great a man, to ask less for the Kingdom of Jesus, than he 
would ask for the government of these United States. And regarding 
himself in common with all men by nature, as an alien from the Common- 
wealth of Israel, he sought that adoption into God's family which would 
make him a citizen of Heaven. He did not attempt to infringe upon 
the Constitution of the Redeem.er's Kingdom — nor to set up a plan of 
his own outside the church; neither did he regard a public profession 
of Religion, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper unmeaning and unimpor- 
tant ceremonies,, but divinely ordained solemiuities, and absolutely es- 
sential to constitute; a man a lYiember of the Kingdoir) of God. He did 
confess. .Christ — he was a communi<:ant member in a Christian Church, 
and his last hours were cheered by the prayers and ministrations of a 
Christian minister. 

Let those among us learn wisdom from his example, who think 
that they are as good out of the church as in it. A doctrine than 
which none can be more jicrnicious to the interests of the cause of re- 
ligion, aye! a doctrine wliich tends to the subversion of the church, 
and which is disastrous to the souls of men. He who .has. said, these 
heavens and thi.-? earth shall pass away, before one jot or tittle of the Holy 
word shall fail, has announced in solemn language the conditions of 
christian discipleship. "Whosoever will confess me before men, him 



11 

wiil I al.'^o confess before my father and the holy angel?. But who?o- 
Bver will deny mc before men, him will I also deny before my father in 
heaven." And this confession relates to every particular that belongs 
to christian di.'>cij)le?hiji. 

So lived and died Hexuv Clay. And to the a filleted people of 
this nation wo may say, 

"Ye "weep, and it i-s well !■ 

Pur tears befit Earth's partings ! Yesterday 

Tliouglit was upon tlio brow of this pale Clay, 

And sunshine seemed to dwell 

Where'er he moved — tlie welcome and the l)lest, 

Now gaze! and bear tlie patriot to his rest." 

This providence imparts to us, and to the nation, instructive les- 
sons. Let me ask your attention to a few of these. 

1. This death should teach all meriy moderation and prudence when 
they canvass the character and principles of those, who belong to op- 
posite political parties. There is no time or place, when men are con- 
scious of a keener regret than that which they experience for whatever 
of harshness or bitterness they may have expressed against a fellow- 
citizen, than when they stand by his grave, and know-that they never 
made amends for the wrongs they had inflicted. I doubt not, there are 
many men now regretting words of bitterness to which they gave utter- 
ance during the excitement of debate, or under the impulse of high party 
feelincr, against Mr.' Clay. And it was no doubt so with the distin- 
guished dead, for he too shared in the imperfections of human nature. 
T5ut the images of our departed ones, whom we love, are imagers of 
beauty. All men arc fallible and liable to make mistakes, and they 
.are the best men who make the fewest. But when they are dead, then 
comes in force that beautiful dictate of our nature and our holy religion, 
which bids us lay into the grave whatever our judgment or conscience 
could not approve, and cherish whatever is instructive and good, in the 
lives of the departed. And surely, there is enough in the lives of such 
men as Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Jackson, Harrison, Cal- 
houn, and Clay — yea, in the history of all our distinguished worthies 
— to enshrine them forever in the holiest sanctuary of their country's 
heart. 

Permit me, then, as a minister of Christ, and as one of the conserva- 
tors of the public morals here, on this occasion, when so many circum- 
stances conspire to call for a word of admonition from the preacher, to 
suggest to you all, of whatever party, the propriety of exercising mod- 
eration, calmness, forbearance and love, during the present Presidential 
campaign. I implore you, gentlemen and citizens, by the peace of 
your homes, by your social endearments, by the altars of religion, by 
the life, the spirit, the gospel and the Cross of the Son of God — be 
calm, be kindly disposed one towards another. Differ in opinions like 
men and christians. Let it not be said that passion reigns, but that 
reason controls. Let the language of controversy be dignified and 
manly. We are members of the same great family ; we all love our 
country — let us also love one another. SuH'er not political ditFerencc 
to sever a single bond of friendship. Sutler not, citizens of Hagers- 
town, the tide of political excitement to roll its bitter waters over the 
domestic and social circles, and wither the flowers which adorn the 
garden of life, nor to blight the heritage of God. As you value the re- 
currence of this day which commemorates our national independence 
— as you cherish the hope that the sun may never shine on any other 
form of Government on American soil, than that which now exists — as 
you cherish the hope that no other ensign of power may ever float in 
the gales which sweep this Continent, but that of the Stars and Stripes, 



12 K 

I -beg you, spare each other p.iin — spare our altars — spare the jewels^*' 
of Christ. My brethren, the clergymen of this town, who are with us ' 
here to-night, join ine in this appeal to your judgment and conscience. 

2. Finally, let us learn from this providence the littleness of eai'th, 
and the greatness of eternity. A long and \iscful life was btoughf td a 
close when Henry Ci.av died. But what would nbwbfe to him his 
many and distinguished honors, if he had neglected the salvation of his 
soul ? What if that mighty intellect were laboring' with eternal woes ? 
AVhat if that harp shattered by death should remain unstrung, or utter 
groans for ever? Nothing, beloved, which he has done or enjoyed 
while living, could compensate forsuch a loss. No! not his legislation 
iiowever wise and beneficial to liis country and the world! Not his 
eloquence which sent thrills of rapture through this immense land — 
thrills which still vibrato in our souls. But we trust, that that harp 
whose music charmed the nation, and drew a listening world, is again 
strung, and swept by a bolder hand, and discoursing sublimer themes. 
And that voice which so often cheered the nation in her onward strug- 
gles to greatness and to glory, m-ingles in the hymn of the Cherubim. 
And that great intellect so long occupied in matters of State, is now 
contemplating the wonders of Jehovah. Such, I say, we trust is his 
condition. And for such a result should we all labor. To those 
heights of glory where angels sing — to the home of the departed good, 
should the aspirations of our hearts ascend; for if we ever enter that 
home of glory, our hearts must have gone before us. Beloved audience, 
rest not your hopes upon man — trust not in an arm of flesh ; "for the 
fashion of this world passeth away." Lay we hold on the objects around 
us, cling we to friends, they are borne with us on that resistless current 
which bears'us onward to a solemn Eternity. The lowly and the lofty 
fall like the flower to the earth — the great, the pillars of government 
fall; and the time will come when the monuments of marble and of 
brass, now reared to the memory of departed worth, will all c'rumble 
to dust — when men and nations, thrones and doniinions, will mingle in 
a common ruin — aye ! when the world is on fire, and the heavens lined 
with angels, calling to judgment ! Seeing, then, that all these things 
must pass away — beaufy, strength, greatness, nations — yea, all which 
is cherished as earthly, what manner of persons ought we to be in all 
hoJy conversation, — we whose existence lies through and beyond the 
wreck of w'orlds, stretching eternally onw'ard, in raptures or in wo! 

Behold then, my brethren, the littleness of earth and the greatness 
of eternity. And in whatever sphere of life Providence has cast your 
lot, remember that the great, the paramount, the engrossing business of 
your present life is, to prepare for eternity. God grant that this nation 
may never fail to mourn when a great man falls in our Israel. And 
may their passing away so deeply impress the living with the convic- 
tion, that "all flesh is grass and the glory of man as the flower of the 
field,' that they may seek that preparation of heart, which will entitle 
them to an inheritance of that immortal blessedness of which God is the 
centre, and eternity its measure and bound. God grant ! that we who 
are mingling here and rejoicing together in our civil and religious free- 
dom, and who this night deplore a common loss, may be so affected by 
the lessons of this Providence as to lead us to the cross, and that we may 
all be made spiritually U-Q.Q, that to the blessings of a free country, 
free bibles, free churches, we may have added free hearts — and be fit- 
ted by the good spirit to shine as the brightness of the firmamerit, and 
imitedly gather the blessings of a happy immortality by the River of 
Life. God bless you — Amen. 






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